12 holiday gift ideas for the curious and adventurous

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With the holiday season upon us comes the scramble to find the right gifts for the special people or pets in our lives. So, we turned to our Nat Geo staffers for ideas on items they have loved to give (or receive) over the years—gifts that are practical, unique, or quirky without creating a gaping hole in the wallet. Here are 12 suggestions accompanied by links on where to purchase the items and bit of reasoning behind the choice. Happy shopping!

1. Vintage National Parks Map Puzzle

It's a perfect activity to help pass the cold months, and it can help you plan your next trip! Placing the park pieces in their respective places on the map introduced me to sites I'd never thought about traveling to but now can't wait to visit. —Ryleigh Nucilli, Digital Content Director

Find it now at?America's National Parks.

2. Kershaw Leek Composite Blade Folding Pocketknife

Everyone should have a sturdy and dependable pocketknife. I’ve had this one for years. While I mostly use it to open packages, it’s a versatile tool for endless situations. I’m always thankful to have it. —Samantha Clark, Senior Photo Editor

Find it now at?Amazon.

3. Baggu 3D Zip Set

I’m a traveler and a packing cube fanatic (they really do make your suitcase more organized!). This set of Baggu stash pouches serves a similar purpose in a carry-on or backpack, and the bright colors mean it’s a breeze to locate them in an overstuffed tote. —Jennifer Barger, Senior Travel Editor

Find it now at?Baggu.

4. Owala 40 oz Insulated Water Bottle

I'm a big water drinker, and I prefer straw tops, but it can be hard to find ones that stay clean. This water bottle has a unique top with an option to sip through a straw, or drink more by tipping the bottle and using the spout above. The lock is a nice feature too to avoid water spilling. Plenty of color options, and the metal keeps water cold all day. —Emily Martin, Digital Producer

Find it now at?Amazon.

5. AeroGarden Hydroponic System

I love fresh herbs but I'm a beginner plant mom living in an apartment. This works almost too well with very minimal effort–and you can grow flowers and veggies too! —Delaney Gordon, Partner Development & Solutions Manager

Find it now at?Amazon.

6. Ruff Dawg Stick Rubber Dog Toy

My dog is strong and very?energetic. This toy is his favorite. He loves it so much, we get him a new one every year. The crinkle of the twig, its bounciness when thrown, the bright colors, and durability ... all of these factors and more are why it makes a great stocking stuffer for your pup. —Chrissy Garcia, Partner Development & Solutions Manager

Find it now at?Amazon.?

7. Eagle Creek Packing Cubes

My carry-on compatriots: you do need packing cubes to save space and stay organized. You do not need packing cubes that look especially special. Skip the name brand luggage groups and stick to sturdy basics like these from Eagle Creek (I like the mesh model specifically so my clothes don't feel stale).?

Pro tip:?When using a packing cube, fold each item of clothing to the size of the cube and stack them inside to fit the most in your bags and end up with the least amount of wrinkles.?—Maura Friedman, Senior Photo Editor

Find it now at?Amazon.

8. Allbirds Wool Runners

These shoes are incredibly lightweight and comfortable, and have a slim, neutral profile that is versatile enough for work or leisure attire. I love bringing them for travel for all the same reasons. They are my go-to pair for walking to the office. (Some days I never even bother to switch into heels!) While I wouldn’t recommend them for hiking on rough terrain, they’ll do fine with most outdoor activities and long days or walking long distances. The wool material is surprisingly cool—even in sizzling summers—and feels cozy in cooler temperatures especially when paired with good socks. —Sarah Gardner, Director, Social Media

Find it now at?Allbirds.

9. L.L.Bean Rechargable LED Pathfinder Beanie

Whether you are walking your dog before sunrise or going out for a nighttime winter walk, this hat makes seeing in the dark/low light easier and it keeps you warm! It's a great gift for kids and adults. —Bridget Hamilton, Senior Editorial Manager, Newsstand Special Issues

Find it now at?L.L. Bean.?

10. ?Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set

Once upon a time, long before the days of Kodachrome (not to mention iPhones), practically every explorer carried watercolors. How else to capture an orchid’s particular hue of magenta or the nuances of a mountain sunset? I started tossing this compact set from Winsor & Newton in my bag years ago—more as a means to find zen in the midst of travel chaos, rather than an attempt to create great art. I’ve painted my way through flight delays, COVID shutdowns, visa snafus, you name it.?

Parent pro tip: It also works great to occupy a fidgety child. —Peter Gwin, Senior Editor

Find it now at?Amazon.

11. Apple AirTag

I recently snagged the Apple AirTag, and let me tell you, it's like having a trusty little sidekick for all my belongings. No more frantic searches for lost keys or worrying about misplaced luggage—it's a game-changer, and has become my go-to accessory for all my trips. —Delaney Gordon, Partner Development & Solutions Manager

Find it now at?Amazon?and?Best Buy.?

12. S'well 10 oz. Pink Topaz Tumbler

I don't drink a lot of coffee—this one-cup size is all I need to start my day. The metal mini-tumbler is light, fits right in my hand and easily slides under my K-cup machine. The only downside is I wish I could put it in the microwave! —Alissa Swango, Head of Digital

Find it now at?Amazon.

*Although we are sharing our personal opinions of these experiences or products with you, National Geographic is not endorsing these experiences or products. It has not performed product safety testing on any of these products, did not manufacture them, and is not selling, or distributing them and is not making any representations about the safety or caliber of these products or experiences. Prices and availability are subject to change from the date of publication.